The Best Month To Visit Portugal

It's Half Term month which means some of the crowds will be returning. Portugal's weather has warmed up slightly and those near deserted beaches will be an even more attractive proposition. In fact, you can expect plenty of sunshine so don't forget to pack the sun cream and shades. February is carnival month in Portugal and the chances are you can catch a colourful street parade particularly in the week when school’s out. You’ll love the spectacular floats, giant puppets and papier mache heads before slipping into a warm local restaurant for some delicious food served by staff with more time to be extra attentive to your needs. Bring the family for a week of culture and fun during one of the best months to visit Portugal..

With temperatures rising to between 21°C and 26°C in the second half of April, it’s really time to start topping up that tan. This month means Easter so the families will be returning to the beaches and restaurants but you should still be able to find space wherever you want it. Portugal is a generally religious country and Easter Holy Week offers plenty of memorable sights and sounds as processions take place in towns and villages. One of the largest of these can be witnessed in the Algarve at the The Festa da Mãe Soberana in Loulé. But wherever you go, the chances are you’ll find plenty of material for your Instagram account.

Now is the time to head for the beach before the really big invasion arrives. Portugal's weather is hot but not too hot with an average of around 26°C and rainfall is at its annual lowest. The deals are still good and the watersports are more fun than ever. The Algarve Coast is yours for the taking with one glorious beach after another including Praia da Coelha and Praia de São Rafael near Club Med in Albufeira. Head further round the coast for the picture-postcard majesty of Dona Ana or Praia do Pinhão, all within easy distance of the bustling town of Lagos. Wherever you go, expect inspiring rock formations, perfectly blue sky and your own private heaven.

You’ll also find plenty of celebrations going on around the country as everyone enjoys the sunny days. There are music festivals in the cities and parties on the beach. The Festival of Saint Anthony hits Lisbon mid-month. Places are alive with colourful decorations and there’s dancing, music and plenty of good food available. Rock in Rio attracts some of the world’s leading acts and is cheaper to attend than its counterpart in Brazil. If you’ve ever fancied a hike to the mountains this is the best month to visit Portugal thanks to the warm temperatures.

This is one of the best months to visit Portugal as the sun is still beating and the weather in Portugal hits an average high of 28°C. Portugal is still alive with parties, festivals and happy tourists. When you’re not headed for the beach then maybe avoid the crowds by exploring lesser known cities such as medieval Coimbra or picturesque Braga. Lovers of all things prawns and fish cannot miss out on the Festival do Marisco in Olhão. This is a six day celebration of fruits del la mer and you’ll never taste dishes so fresh or tasty as you soak up live music and delicious grilled smells. As ever, the inland is looking glorious and the lakes, forests and sleepy villages offer an inviting diversion from the beaches for nature loving tourists.

Where have the crowds gone? Who cares as your all-inclusive Portugal holiday is now way less crowded and the weather is usually good enough for T-shirts and shorts! If you’re outdoors then plan for a hiking holiday around the coast or further inland. Families can enjoy a half term of relative peace when beaches are semi-full and the restaurants always have a table at lunch. For sports fanatics it’s the month to catch the Lisbon Marathon. With its route along the river Tagus it's one of the most picturesque 26 mile jogs in the world even if you're just a spectator. As per last month, the wine harvest is in full flight and you could even take part if you've ever fancied trampling some grapes in beautiful surroundings. Bring some bottles back home as your reward.

Are you dreaming of a mild Christmas? December in Portugal is unlikely to feature snow (well maybe in the mountains) but it can be chilly and rainy. Above all, it can be hugely festive and one of the best months to visit Portugal for celebrating the season of goodwill. Visit the cities for markets and fairs around every corner. Away from the city, everything is pretty much closed up but you can find a room for the night or something to eat in the larger towns such as Lagos. Christmas is a family affair but new year is a much more public time with Noite de Ano Novo. The party-loving Portuguese really pull out all the stops for New Year's Eve where you can round off your year with drinking, dancing and a lot of very noisy fireworks.